Sanibel shelling Blind Pass + Fort Myers Beach shelling. Comparing shelling at 2 beaches on same day

Shelling on Sanibel is awesome, but so is shelling on Fort Myers beach. We started our day over on Captiva/Sanibel and then decided later in the day to try our luck over at Fort Myers Beach. I'll show you what we found at both beaches. Plus we're going to meet the cutest live Florida Fighting Conch! Normally I would break this up into 2 videos, but I thought it would be neat to compare what was found at the two different beaches.

[@dreamart3395]

Nice, Nice, Nice Video. My husband sat down next to me as I was watching it .. Every time you'd pull a shell up I'd name it to him before you said it. He was impressed. Told him I learned from you.

[@SWFBeachLife]

This warms my heart! If I can bring even a little bit of happiness and knowledge to others I've done my job 😊 Thank you for the kind comment and thank you for letting me share my walks with you!

[@dreamart3395]

@@SWFBeachLife ... I keep saying to myself 'someday' ... someday I will travel from my Oregon home to the Florida shoreline to collect shells. It may never happen but, I gotta keep thinking positive. I collect whole, beautiful Pacific Sand Dollars along the shores of Seaside, Oregon .. sometimes only a couple ... other times a bucketful. The Pacific Sand Dollar is slightly different than the ones I watch you scoop up. I'd attached a photo but that can't be done. Again, thank you for bringing your shelling excursions into our homes.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Dream Art Well in the meantime I’ll keep bringing Florida to you! ☺️

[@777sgiles]

@@dreamart3395 You can post pictures at Instagram messenger or Facebook messenger to SWF. 😉

[@SnowPink90]

I’m into your 3rd shell and can’t believe how beautiful they are!! Pink shells are so very pretty.

[@danatramell3036]

My husband and I are coming to Sanibel the week of Christmas! I CAN'T WAIT! Every time I watch your videos I want Christmas to hurry up and get here! We love Sanibel! This time we are staying on the island (been saving up) Thanks for your videos... Makes me homesick for some Sanibel! We live in Savannah, GA and go to Tybee Beach often but the shelling doesn't compare even a little bit! Thx again...

[@SWFBeachLife]

Oh I hope the time goes quickly for you! Since I’m kind of new to all this, I didn’t know there were better times of the year to go shelling. I hope Xmas brings you tons of goodies! It’s started to pick up a little but the winter should be AWESOME!! Thanks for letting me share my walks with you!

[@lorihoezee5353]

I love watching you! I go to Anna Maria Island at least a couple of times a week! I keep finding lots of shells not big ones like you do. I was able to teach some boys that had just started helping me a few names of shells I learned from you! Thanks again!

[@SWFBeachLife]

That's amazing! I love helping people enjoy the beach!

[@pattyvalinote8737]

The shells at Ft Myers Beach much better than Sanibel haul. Nice drone views!!! The beach at sunset looked scrumptious!!!🌴🐚🌊. Thanks for sharing!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks Patty! FMB did have a bit of a better variety on this particular day. Closest thing to being in two places at the same time LOL!

[@tinaharbit1806]

I really needed this video today! Thank you so much for the beach walk!

[@SWFBeachLife]

You are so welcome! Thanks so much for coming along!

[@NurseMickiLea]

Love the drone footage! Just beautiful♥️♥️♥️

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you so much! I like adding another view once in a while 🙏

[@Onora]

I am learning so many shell names. I get excited when I can identify it with you! Thanks so much for the videos and I can't wait to get back to the beaches myself.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I love hearing this! Thank you for watching and letting me know you're learning along with me! ❤

[@777sgiles]

Your drone shots are precious! Especially when you catch a dog running backwards on the beach! Lol (1:40)

[@SWFBeachLife]

I know!!! Someone else caught that too. I wanted the shot to go from left to right and had to make it backwards. I think the dog is magic - LOL!

[@kholbrook203]

Thank you once again for taking us on your beach walk. I’m always amazed at how many beautiful shells you find. I love them all! So Awsome!!!!❤️

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you for coming along with me!!!

[@donnaheard4185]

AWESOME video as always Sharmon! TFS the beach views, the drone footage, the shell finds, and the sunset!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Glad you enjoyed it! As always, thanks for coming along on my beach walk!

[@gaestovall1551]

Thanks for another gorgeous beach adventure! Those shells found the right home ~Peace~

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks for letting me share my walk with you!!

[@kathyjund7212]

Awesomeness!!! Nutmeg heaven. But tulips and cones!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Nutmeg heaven - love it! Thank you for watching!!!

[@amandavievering7251]

I look so forward to your Sunday walks on the ocean. And you found some amazing shells you're a very blessed today. Little Treasures from God!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you for letting me share my walks with you! I'm taking a "road trip" this week and we're going to try shelling on the East Coast. Video to come in a few weeks!

[@goldieheinig8723]

Good day for Horse Conchs and Nutmegs. Really cool live Florida Fighting Conch!!! Overall, a good haul!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I loved finding that little guy! It's always great to find shells but there is something to be said about appreciating the critter that creates the beautiful beach treasures. Thank you for watching!

[@marie-josetimperley3825]

Can’t wait to come down to Florida (from Canada) and start shelling!! 🐚

[@SWFBeachLife]

We can't wait to have you! There are so many businesses down here that are ready to host our friends from up North. I hope you can make it down here and you find lots of shells!!!

[@marie-josetimperley3825]

SWF Beach Life thanks 😊

[@judyprezeau3354]

Great beach walk, beautiful shells and such a gorgeous beach. Thank you for sharing. 🙂

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks for letting me share my walks with you!!!

[@brittnytaylor1864]

I’m trying to watch all the videos on your page but that dog running backwards at the beginning killed me 😂

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yeah...you are one of three people that saw that. I wanted the shot in the reverse and the dang dog gave it away - LOL!

[@SaltyReflections]

Great video! I enjoyed ALL of your finds! You know I love them all. I think my favorites from this trip were the nutmegs and that sweet little scallop (smaller than your fingertip) near the beginning. & That paramotoring does look fun! 🐚💙😍

[@SWFBeachLife]

It was fun comparing two different beaches on the same day. You never know what you're going to find! Thank you for watching! ❤

[@cotylowe3213]

Not the dog running backwards LOL!

[@SWFBeachLife]

It's that magical the dogs run backwards 🤣

[@karinz2853]

Love Fort Myers Beach shelling. 🐚 Always find a lot and love watching for dolphins 🐬 too. Thanks

[@patifagan6774]

Excellent work and video

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you very much!

[@dhananjaychakraborty9056]

Hello my dear..... How are you? Beautiful beach day!!! Gorgeous Cones,nutmegs, tulips... I am very happy to see those pretty pear whelks and those CONES!!!!!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I know you like those cones ☺️ And I’m very lucky to have beautiful beach days all the time. I am great and I hope you are too!

[@dhananjaychakraborty9056]

@@SWFBeachLife yes!!!! I am so glad! I was upset as my android phone was not working several days ago but when I got it repaired and watched these videos, I really felt very very happy!

[@SWFBeachLife]

@@dhananjaychakraborty9056 Awwww. I'm glad your phone is fixed! New video coming tonight at 7pm!

[@dhananjaychakraborty9056]

@@SWFBeachLife yay!!

[@mybigyear]

I love Florida so much. I have shells from when I was there last in 2008. Thank you for the video

[@SWFBeachLife]

You are very welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@michelleadamchak1330]

I love shelling, and I am enthralled with this video! I have learned so many names of shells from watching your video. Florida is a great place to shell. I am so glad I found your channel, so I subbed and rang the bell. Thank you for your shelling expertise and sharing with us! Happy shelling!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm glad you found my channel! I truly enjoy sharing all my beach walks and beach finds. Thank you so much for watching and letting me share my walks with you!

[@elizabethsmith2138]

Fantastic beach walk and video. Thank you so very much! You are such a joy! ❤️🐚

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you for the kind comment and letting me share my walks with you! 😍

[@ginacorry6994]

I look forward to your beach walks each week! Thank you for sharing them!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you for letting me share my walks with you!

[@vivianmader4523]

i got to stop in sanibel for a few hours while traveling a few months ago.. it’s my dream location. i got 113 no see um bites, but i can’t wait to go back some day! these videos hold me over 🥰

[@SWFBeachLife]

Those noseeums are misery! We don't encounter them all that often, thanks goodness. I'm glad my videos can hold you over until you can come back. I had wished there was a channel like mine when I used to visit and go home again :) Thanks so much for watching!

[@diannpowell1077]

What an outstanding collection! Fun to watch too.Thank you

[@SWFBeachLife]

Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for watching!

[@haleonie]

Those drone shots are amazing! Thanks for this wonderful treat!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thanks for the kind comment and thank you for watching!

[@carolledger8047]

When you asked, "Can you see it?" was that a pearl in with the shells? This beach visit was very fun, truthfully they all are, loved it! Thank you so much.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Unfortunately no pearls among the shells on the beach here - but boy would that be cool if there was! Thank you so much for watching!

[@shanaynay6652]

I love walking both beaches. The one shell I seem to never find is the Nutmeg but that just means I need more beach time. lol I can't believe you found so many in one trip. Thanks for sharing your finds and that beautiful sunset.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank so much for watching! I hope you find your nutmeg soon! South FMB seems to provide the most of those little guys. 😊

[@chrisbgifford7387]

Oh how I long for the beach, sand and shells. I'm going to look for a nutmeg, turkey shell & the rough scallop. Next time. Come on April!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I hope you find plenty of them all! April is a great time to be down here! Thank you for watching!

[@shellstories]

Nice finds! And also, beautiful shots! Keep it up!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you!! 😘

[@andreah.5962]

That first alphabet cone had gorgeous color!

[@SWFBeachLife]

😊

[@kayharrisrankin5805]

Im trying not to be jealous, but i can't help it. Love my shells

[@SWFBeachLife]

Kay Rankin I hear you!!!

[@sueh9597]

I love captiva and sanibel...my happy place for sure!!😃🌴🌾

[@SWFBeachLife]

The more beaches I visit, the MORE I love the beaches down here!

[@raydinacavazos3562]

I love Florida and shelling! We always go to Destin and Pensacola. God willing we'll be able to go this summer. 🙏

[@SWFBeachLife]

I've heard Destin is good for shelling. Eventually I'll make it up there to see for myself. I hope you get to go this summer too! Thank you for watching!

[@emilyb2237]

Beautiful! Thank you again! 🐚❤🥰

[@SWFBeachLife]

You are so welcome!

[@sherrynicol4585]

Banded tulips are my favorite. Love the turkey and Angel wings

[@SWFBeachLife]

I love tulips too! I’d love to find a big red true tulip one of these days! 🤞🏻

[@roadking99jokerst60]

Wish Sue and I could have been in Lee county this year. The drone views are great. Be safe.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I wish you and Sue could have been down here too, but I'll keep the videos coming! When it's nice and calm winds, I love putting the drone up!

[@patembry3373]

You are awesome 👏🏼

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you!! You are awesome for watching!

[@fouraces1949]

9:28 “whatcha you doing lady, I’m feedin’ here” lol!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I KNOW!!! I always want to check them out a little bit and hope I don't bother them too much 😅

[@pamdennis1007]

I was waiting for your 3rd trip!!!!!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

LOL! I couldn't have snuck a third beach visit in there. I'll have to keep that in mind for future trips!

[@danielmaggio772]

Best trip yet for sure!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Aww - thank you for letting me share my walk and treasures with you!

[@funnycrabby6931]

I love shells too 🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚🐚❤❤❤🐚🐚🐚❤❤

[@SWFBeachLife]

You're in good company!

[@storm2156]

I've only ever had luck at Blind Pass on the Captive side one time. It is always a hit or a total miss in my experience. Sometimes finding parking is impossible also. The wind needs to be at the Northwest or a large storm to have hit and also tidal conditions need to be right. I've heard from others in the "perfect" conditions you can fill up a 5 gallon bucket with quality shells in a few hours and of people finding multiple junonias and other rare shells you'd probably never come across otherwise. If you've ever looked at some of the older posts on iloveshelling.com there's a few fantastic posts about it with pictures. You did fantastic on Ft Myers Beach! I am pretty sure that medium sized horse conch you have is an albino given it has some of the black crust still on it and its condition, a rare find! Also that cone you inquired about is a Florida cone. You've convinced me to give Estero another try when I go down in October to Sanibel. I've been there twice before and never had much luck. Just out of curiosity if you don't mind giving up your secret location, where exactly do you park? It seems you had a lot of luck on south side of the island and when I look I don't see any parking areas in the south or central area on a map. It seems there might be parking at the bridge near Lover's Key, but it isn't marked as such. Any advise would be appreciated been probably a decade since I went there! I normally stick to Sanibel. I also might try a try a trip to the Northern end of Cayo Costa heard some good things about that last year from an avid sheller. Also keep up the great videos!

[@SWFBeachLife]

We almost always go out early, so parking "normally" isn't a problem, even at the smaller parking lots. I'm hoping this winter I'll be able to find as many goodies as I found last winter. It was so much fun! I have some info from the shell museum about winter/summer shelling. I'll have to put that together to helpl explain why shelling is different in different seasons. I am lucky to have viewers like you that can help me closer identify shells! I've been at it for about a year and I'm still learning - which I love! Parking at South FMB is indeed a challenge. You can park at The Wyndham (paid) or you could park at the Lover's Key lot over the bridge and walk to South FMB from there. Any way you slice it, you're looking at a bunch of walking for sure. We normally find beach access parking and just walk. Recently we walked 11 miles of Fort Myers Beach (mid-island to South end and back). We're a little crazy like that! I've been to Cayo Costa just once and it was beautiful. I would like to give that island another go as well. This week we're going to try the East Coast and see if we can find a bunch of different shells. I guess if one is going to have an addiction, shelling isn't the worst one to have :) Thank you for watching and help me further identify my find!!!

[@yomama8873]

Amazing😱😱😱🤩🤩🤩💜

[@SWFBeachLife]

Thank you!!! 💜💜💜

[@gingermackeen5741]

I'm halfway through your great video, but before I forget, the little shell at about 7 minutes I think is a broken Florida button shell because of the ridges. Also there is a "knobless" version of the Florida fighting conch which is what you found. First one I found was lighter in color and I thought it was just beach-worn. Then I found out there are knobless ones!

[@SWFBeachLife]

I had never heard of knobless fighting conchs until now! And stranger still that it took this long for me to find one. I saw some lighter versions of the fighting conch at a shell shop and they were labeled "Hatian Conch" but haven't really been able to find any additional info about those guys either. Shells are so darn interesting! Thank you for the info and thank you for letting me share my beach walk with you!

[@dianesalvato8421]

I vote for south Ft Myers Beach as having the better shells in your video. Great nutmegs, cones and angel wings.

[@SWFBeachLife]

It was a little better for variety, but we have so much fun at both it's really hard to choose a favorite! Thank you for watching!

[@bkneram]

Where do you park when you go to south fort myers beach? Can’t wait for the next video!

[@SWFBeachLife]

There is paid parking at The Wyndham, which is probably you're best bet since it's the closest parking I've found when walking South FMB. Thanks for letting me share my videos with you!!

[@chelseaphillips9048]

Throughly enjoying your videos! Planning a shell trip in my head. My mom lives in vero Beach and we will probably go see her in the winter. If we have like 2 days to come to the west coast which beaches would be best to collect best variety of shells? Judging by your videos I'm thinking the 2 beaches mentioned in this video?

[@SWFBeachLife]

If you're looking for variety without too much hassle, I would say Sanibel. The parking is so much easier on Sanibel compared to the south end of FMB, and both beaches have essentially the goodies. Parking on FMB is. mostly beach access roads toward the south end, but you might get lucky parking on Gulf or Flamingo. From a convenience standpoint, I would definitely say Sanibel - and I'm a big fan of Bowman's Beach!

[@ericbrowning]

Gorgeous video! Did anyone else notice the drone footage over Blind Pass Beach was run in reverse? Either that or that dog was running backwards! Lol.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I was hoping everyone would be enjoying the view and would ignore the dog running LOL! The shot flowed so much nicer that way so I reversed it. Good eye!

[@tarasewell152]

I'm sorry but you are just going to have to make more videos. I've searched and am not interested in any other shelling channels or videos! Maybe just 2 a week? maybe? haha thanks for inspiring my shell obsession!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

LOL! I wish I had the time to put out more than one video a week - but I'm working on it 🤗 Thank you so much for coming along with as I explore the beautiful beaches down here!

[@indyfan2056]

I love the angel wings w ould love to find some!

[@gingermackeen5741]

Can't believe all the nutmegs! We hardly ever see them here! I actually think you did better on S Ft Meyers for variety, but might have been because it was low tide?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I wish I knew the magic answer! I definitely think one has a better shot at finding good stuff at low tide, but we usually manage to find SOMETHING no matter what time of day we go. I will tell you this...summer is "slow" shelling season for sure. I expected to find huge hauls all year long but during the winter it's much easier to find different varieties. Thank you as always for watching!

[@yomama8873]

Love it 🤩🤩💜

[@SWFBeachLife]

😍😍😍

[@jonimichalski9193]

I been to those beaches

[@lorihoezee5353]

Thanks!

[@SWFBeachLife]

Lori thank you so very much!!

[@janetpullen5210]

What a find....would love to be 🏝⛵there

[@SWFBeachLife]

I'm hoping my videos are the next best thing. Thank you for watching!

[@cleights100]

I just discovered your channel! Awesome! What do you do with all the shells?

[@SWFBeachLife]

Welcome to my channel! Funny you should ask about what I do with my shells...I just released a video yesterday that explains it all! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmi2nneLmNuXoLc

[@BeachGirlStudio]

It’s a knobless fighting conch ....there are also knobless horse conches and they are commonly found in a small area around the 10k islands.

[@SWFBeachLife]

I have never heard of a knobless fighting conch! Now that is so cool. Thank you for letting me know why those guys were different, and thank you for watching!

[@geneva1719]

So nice ! Have you ever snorkeled for shells ?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I have only snorkeled for sand dollars and it was awesome! I keep a snorkel mask in my trunk just in case but so far I’ve only beach combed for shells. I would like to head up North again one of these days and try snorkeling for shells. It looks like so much fun!

[@danstambaugh6070]

Love your videos, can you yell me where i can get one of those shell scoops you use, the blue one? Thanks

[@SWFBeachLife]

Dan Stambaugh We bought our shell scoops at the Walmart on San Carlos Blvd near Summerland. It’s on the way to either Ft Myers Beach or Sanibel.

[@tammycheek326]

Do you ever go to Inglewood Beach near Venice? Tons of shark teeth!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

We went to Caspersen Beach in Venice and did indeed find shark teeth! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmXbaHqvgN51oMk

[@sheargenius0073]

Where on Ft Myers were you shelling??? My daughter is coming down and she loves shelling. I'd like to send her home with some treasures!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

My recommendation would be to visit the south end of the island. It's a little tricky since there isn't beach access parking down there, so it's normally a LONG walk, but it's worth it! Or, the Wyndham normally had paid parking so she can go that route and get onto the beach and walk to the left. I hope this helps!

[@janetpressler7787]

Do you go shelling barefoot or do you have some of those beach shoes? I plan on coming to that area in a year or so and LOVE shelling and rockhounding. I plan on coming alone so I can do my shelling as long and as often as I want without worrying that I am boring someone? Well, maybe I’ll bring my granddaughter. 😊

[@SWFBeachLife]

If you're coming down to either Sanibel or Fort Myers Beach you don't have to wear shoes to go shelling :) That being said, occasionally I'll find nice shell piles and it can be quite painful to try to walk on them barefoot to look for goodies, so I will bring a pair of light flip flips just in case. I love the feeling of the sand and water directly on my feet, but always a good idea to have a backup plan!

[@janetpressler7787]

Thanks for that information! I appreciate it!

[@janerigg3318]

Do you ever go to the Clearwater area? I lived there for 18 months 12 years ago.. I collected alot of shell then.

[@SWFBeachLife]

Not yet, but one day I'll make it up there. I want to eventually explore ALL the Florida beaches! Thank you for watching!

[@tamigodby6632]

I use to live on Sanibel. I miss it so much. I spent hours shelling. I would keep pretty ones that had a hole on them and make wind chimes with them. Have you ever found megalodon teeth?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I have not found megladon teeth, but we did go up to Caspersen to look for sharks teeth - we found a bunch! I did upload a video about it :) Thank you for watching!!!

[@lornacarlock5757]

I have to ask.... you collect many shells at one time. How do you keep from banging other shells and breaking them?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I have a plastic hard container in my shell bag that I use for the delicate shells and the sand dollars for that very reason! Most shells are pretty hearty, but the more delicate ones I protect in that plastic box. I've lost a sand dollar or two but for the most part it works! Thank you for watching!

[@funnycrabby6931]

I loveshellsingood too🐚❤️❤️❤️🐚❤️🐚

[@gingermackeen5741]

BTW, I regularly see live fighting conchs at low tide on Honeymoon Island.

[@angelacarl0814]

The last beach you were at was ft. Myers beach?

[@SWFBeachLife]

Yes it was. South Fort Myers Beach 😊

[@daniellegleason554]

What beach did you go to at Ft Myers?

[@SWFBeachLife]

South Fort Myers Beach, Estero Island. It's all one big island called Fort Myers Beach. In my experience, the south end tends to have the best shells!

[@TheMTL1011]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤Love it keep it up!!!!!

[@SWFBeachLife]

❤️

[@helenc4228]

I would love to know what you do with all these shells?

[@SWFBeachLife]

I will make a video about that soon! Thank you for watching!

[@gingerelver70]

Dont conch animals sting??

[@SWFBeachLife]

Conches don't sting but cones do. And the cones here won't kill you the way the ones in Australia will!